Due to COVID-19 we have put together an important reference pack leading you to best practice to do what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19, and protect New Zealand. A few key safety points are as follow:
- Physical distancing: Workers should practice physical distancing, with people no closer than 1 metre where possible. You are responsible for your clientele meaning that even if shops are been irresponsible you can make the difference by practicing social distancing and / or saying no to workshop visits in order to help flatten the curve.
- Wash and dry your hands: Wash often. Use soap. 20 seconds. Then dry. This kills the virus by bursting its protective bubble. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean. The same goes for hand sanitiser: use a sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. Rub it into your hands for at least 20 seconds to ensure full coverage.
- Self-isolation: Self-isolation means staying at home. It’s an effective way to help protect those around you. Consider if you need to be in your workplace(s), workshops etc or if working from home may be an option.
- Stay home if your sick: Stay home if you have any of these symptoms: a fever, a cough, shortness of breath, sneezing or a runny nose.
For full details on the above points, please find information and links here: https://covid19.govt.nz
ALERT STAGE
We are currently in Alert Level 4, effective as of Wednesday 25 March at 11.59pm.
We are deemed a non-essential business so no Repair Certs should be undertaken while the country is in Level 4.
The KSDP (AA, VTNZ, VINZ, Drivesure and Nelson Testing) are all closed at this time. We urge you not to be doing any inspections during this Level 4 lock down to support the Governments instruction and to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Alert level four: Eliminate
This is the top-level and would be activated if it is “likely” COVID-19 is not contained nationally or at a local level. There would have to be intensive and sustained transmission with widespread outbreaks. Under this level, people would need to stay at home, all educational facilities and non-essential businesses closed, supplies would be rationed, facilities would be requisitioned, travel would be severely limited and all healthcare services would be reprioritised.
ECONOMIC EFFECT:
The economic turbulence from COVID-19 is affecting national and local economies, so we have put together an important reference pack leading you to places to find business support. If your business is in any way affected, this information is very important for you.
- The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) have hardship grants for businesses and individuals affected by the virus. Flyer Help – Essential costs from MSD or Contact MSD directly
- Some banks have offered support such as an overdraft facility, suspension of principal loan payments for up to three months, and deferred payment on business credit cards for up to three months. Please check with your individual banks.
- The IRD is offering tax relief and income assistance to people affected by the downturn in business.
- In addition there are a number of government sources providing guidance and support to the public as part of the response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Also you can go directly to business.govt.nz for assistance and support and information.
- For the NZ government’s recovery package announcement on 23rd March 2020 visit NZ Herald HERE
